27 November 2008
This Month's Mat-side Tipple: Morocco Ale
Everyone knows that a beer after Judo is sublime. In celebration of this fact our mat-side tipple this month is Morocco Ale (Winner of a Silver Award at the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) North Beer Awards 2008).
The recipe for Morocco Ale is believed to date from Elizabethan times. It was named 'Morocco' by Colonel James Grahme of Levens when he was a courtier of Charles II. The Queen had brought Tangiers as part of her dowry and Grahme may have associated the Dark Moorish people of that land with the smooth, dark coloured ale of Levens. Legend has it that the secret recipe was buried in the garden, under the evergreens, during the Civil War. Every May time until 1877 the unique spiced Morocco Ale, matured for 21 years, was always served at a great feast held in the Gardens at Levens. New guests were required to stand on one leg and empty, in a single draught, a tall Constable glass filled with 'Morocco' whilst pledging to the ancient house... "Luck to Levens whilst t'Kent flows."
[Made in England at Daleside Brewery: http://www.dalesidebrewery.com]
25 November 2008
Sensei Rick's Pick of the Week: Masters Judo in Australia
Sensei Rick says we (meaning ALL Masters Judoka in NZ) may be able to get a NZ Team together for the Masters Judo contest in Australia – contact me now if you are interested (Tel: 0275 989 585 or Email: r.littlewood@xtra.co.nz). The Australian Masters Judo is in Geelong city (near Melbourne) on the 27/28th Feb 2009. This part of the all Australian Masters Games. Judo entries must in by the 6th December 2008 but you can enter later for an extra A$ 20. The Masters divisions are in 5 yr lots (30-34, 35 -39, etc..) and by weight where possible. Air fares at that time are Pacific Blue at $390 return plus. Hotels in the area ranges from $138 to $270 for a twin.
24 November 2008
Local Judo Gossip....
Having recently made the transition to Judo (after a long and successful career as a stand-up fighter), rumor has it that Khan is making another transition and looks set to follow in the footsteps of martial arts greats like Steven Segal, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, Jacky Chan, and Jet Li. In view of his recent exploits his agent recently took the time to share a portfolio documenting Khan’s vast acting range. The Club wishes you luck Khan! Go WESTIE!!!
The Power of 1000 Lemons!!
Dennis would probably say that the sake-in-a-can’s were the best things in the vending machines. For Pudgey it would probably be the cheap giant Asahi’s. For Khan I think it was the Pocari Sweats; for Kong it was the Suntory C.C. Lemon. It came in three sizes: The power of 50 lemons can, the power of 70 lemons bottle, and the power of 1000 lemons concentrate. Not to sweet, not too many bubbles, C.C. Lemon was epic and, judging by experiments, it worked to preserve good health! Also coming soon: Miojima [From left to right: Jack, Simon, Aaron, Jordan, Denney, Andrew, Pat, Greg, Khan, Plumb]
23 November 2008
Lifting the Lid on AJA Fundraising: Has Gold Gone Too Far With Judo Sutra Secrets?
It has been alleged that the technical director of the "real" AJA, Ramses Gold has been trying to raise funds for Auckland Judo by selling what he refers to as "domestic harmony enhancement educational DVDs." The DVD's are being offered for sale on the "Judo Players Make Better Lovers" group on Faceless. To date, Kong has been unable to reach Ramses for any comment and clarification on his starring role in these R18 productions. Word on the street, however, suggests that "Judo Sutra Secrets," written and directed by Gold, starring Gold & Guests, is one of the most popular illegally downloaded files of all time. More soon.
Thank You!!!
Dear Yumiko,Everyone who went on the Masters Tour to Japan would like to say a BIG thank you! We tried to get you a card or some gift but were, in the end, too useless and disorganized. Nonetheless, please accept our thanks for your singing, help translating, getting tickets (even if they were in the smoking section), ordering food, and generally looking out for us. We enjoyed your company and hope you will come again next year.
Masters Judo in Kyoto
The only seats left on the train headed to Kyoto were in the smoking section. For most of the Judo Masters, who are non-smokers, this was problematic. Kong, however, had become well-adjusted to exploring different periods in time (having just done the Edo period in Hida-Takayama) so was able to enjoy the opportunity to experience and revisit what traveling must have been like during the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and much of the 80s (He also noted the irony in the fact that the smoking Judo Masters, who had been making frequent trips to the smoking car during other trips, were equally as uncomfortable because they didn't light up once during the whole two hours. I guess you had to be there).
[the Kyoto train station is a micro-city in itself -- the essence of which cannot be captured by any single photograph]
After a train switch in Nagoya (that almost saw Sensei Rick, Kahn, Wayne, and Andrew get left behind), we arrived in Kyoto shortly after 6pm. What a place. The train station is immense, clean, and brilliantly designed -- an architectural wonder. Even more attractive than the architecture, however, are the local women -- all of whom have, apparently, embraced the almost-long-enough-to-be-called-shorts and high-boots dress code.
We checked into the Toyoko Inn at Shijo Omiya. Then it was off to play Judo with the "local Thugs." To get to the dojo we had to follow Sensei Rick, who was riding a bike, on foot at at night. It was a recipe for disaster and, unsurprisingly, disaster struck (it was only mild and we eventually got to the dojo). I think it was fair to say that some of us were slightly apprehensive as Sensei Rick had been preparing us all day with stories of a small 12 mat dojo with big judoka and walls that retained the imprint of players who had been thrown into them. As it It turned out, despite his laughter, Sensei Rick was not joking. The dojo was pretty much as he described it.
The Judo was good and a fine time had by all. Well....everyone except Clayton who managed to have the son of Conan fall on him and break his rib.
[The last photo we have of Clayton in perfect health]
A big training on the back of a big day took its toll. After a hard night on the mat some went on for beers and food with Sensei Rick others headed back to the Hotel.
Next: Hiroshima and the case of the missing hotel.
***PS: I need more photo's. Hand them over please.
[the Kyoto train station is a micro-city in itself -- the essence of which cannot be captured by any single photograph]
After a train switch in Nagoya (that almost saw Sensei Rick, Kahn, Wayne, and Andrew get left behind), we arrived in Kyoto shortly after 6pm. What a place. The train station is immense, clean, and brilliantly designed -- an architectural wonder. Even more attractive than the architecture, however, are the local women -- all of whom have, apparently, embraced the almost-long-enough-to-be-called-shorts and high-boots dress code.
We checked into the Toyoko Inn at Shijo Omiya. Then it was off to play Judo with the "local Thugs." To get to the dojo we had to follow Sensei Rick, who was riding a bike, on foot at at night. It was a recipe for disaster and, unsurprisingly, disaster struck (it was only mild and we eventually got to the dojo). I think it was fair to say that some of us were slightly apprehensive as Sensei Rick had been preparing us all day with stories of a small 12 mat dojo with big judoka and walls that retained the imprint of players who had been thrown into them. As it It turned out, despite his laughter, Sensei Rick was not joking. The dojo was pretty much as he described it.
The Judo was good and a fine time had by all. Well....everyone except Clayton who managed to have the son of Conan fall on him and break his rib.
[The last photo we have of Clayton in perfect health]
A big training on the back of a big day took its toll. After a hard night on the mat some went on for beers and food with Sensei Rick others headed back to the Hotel.
Next: Hiroshima and the case of the missing hotel.
***PS: I need more photo's. Hand them over please.
A Day in Hida-Takayama
Small groups were, again, the order of the day in Hida-Takayama. The only objective was to go sight-seeing and make it back to Takayama station for the 14:40 train to Nagoya (before switching trains and heading further South onto Kyoto).After several false starts we went for a quick walk through the Edo period (1604 to 1868) Samurai houses. These old wooden houses currently serve as tourist shops selling local specialties. We were a bit early as everything was still shut.
Eventually, a number of groups found themselves on the same side of the Kajibasi bridge at the morning markets. The markets run all the way down the eastern side of the river to the Yayoibashi bridge (the “central” feature of the town and easiest way to get around is by noting ones position in relation to the three colored bridges). At the markets you could buy food to feed the carp and buy any number of variation on Sarubobo Charms (a faceless monkey-child type doll as seen above).
[Sensei Rick and Bob]
If you hadn’t gone on a bike tour with Sensei Rick and Bob, you could take either the Kitayama Walking course (around the Ayuzaki castle runis) or the Higashiyama Walking course (past the temple area). The latter looked more appealing.
[Wayne and Jack standing beside a very very large Bell]
What some of us found out is that it is quite easy to get "templed out." Rather than dwelling on this unique sensation, however, group Kong chose instead to get lost. While we could have been enjoying the lush walk and hidden treasures of the Shiroyama park, group Kong chose to view some very unspectacular green houses way the f#$k out the middle of who-knows where.
Eventually we made it into the park and started making our way back towards Takayama station. Meandering back through town was not without merit. Here you can see Jack standing in front of a Nara-Period State Supported Temple. It is in the heart of the town and sits comfortably alongside modern dwellings.
Next: Two hours in the smoking section on route to Kyoto.
22 November 2008
Andrew Pragnell's Pick of the Week
It takes a big man to openly share his defeats and an even BIGGER one (110+kgs!?) to provide the video footage. Here Andrew invites viewers to find him flying through the air at the hands of Olympic heavy-weight gold medalist and MMA hopeful, Satoshi Ishii. (The real point being he was there -- look at the crowd and the calibre of Judo!)
21 November 2008
Club News in Brief
Sensei Rick has returned from Japan. He is in fine form, claims he is in training for the All Japan Masters 2009 (look out Russians), but is also wondering where everyone is (read if you have not been training lately it is TIME to get back on the MAT now!!! – before our contest in our house). In Sensei Rick’s absence the good Captain has been taking a number of classes. He has been focusing on controlling the “middle ground” (between throwing and ground-work), drilling basic combo’s, and developing an esoteric martial arts lexicon (in a bid to re-infuse Judo with some kind of thug—mystique). Also worth noting is the fact that the Rick Littlewood open is shaping up to be a great contest. There will be an Open and Age Division Masters (divisions every 10 years). At this stage, a few beers and BBQ may be included in the entry price.
20 November 2008
Hida-Takayama
Not only is Kong prone to making things up every now and again but, from here on in (or at least until Judo training started again), his memory ceased to be the razor sharp record that it normally is. Or was it the day before that it got blurry? Who knows? Who cares? And who’d remember anyway? What makes me wonder is the singing – the singing took place in Hida-Takayama not Morioka.
There are two things that have contributed to memory slippage. The first is the amount of train travel. Having refreshed and rejuvenated ourselves at the Morioka onsen we repacked the mini-bus and headed back to the train station. It was the 20th of October and we were headed south to Hida-Takayama, a seven hour train ride with changes in Tokyo and Nagoya. In truth it was not so bad. The scenery was, frequently, breath-taking and we had a "beer bitch" for the whole journey (not that anyone took real advantage of it).
Memory was not the only causality of train travel...
The second reason for Kong's faulty reportage is that we stayed at the Ryokan Seiryu, a traditional Japanese style Inn in the heart of downtown Hida-Takayama. As the word “tradition” implies, it looked nearly exactly like the other "traditional" Japanese Inn we stayed at in Morioka. As a result, the two places have seemingly merged in my mind.
[Hida-Takayama Wander Exploration Map]
After another evening of soaking in a hot bath, feasting, drinking, and letting post-contest bones and muscles repair, the youthful masters took to the town. Sensei Rick tried to keep us on a tight leash by telling and retelling the story of 11 pm lock-outs from the Ryokan and the mid-winter making of card-board tents to sleep in. To his credit it almost worked. Almost...
Unfortunately, since "what goes on tour stays on tour," this segment must end here. All Kong has to say is...Dennis...I can't believe you lost the artifact. The risks, the dangers, and how perfect it was...and you lost it!
Next: A day amongst the the Samurai houses of Hida-Takayama, more train rides, and a battle with local thugs in Kyoto.
There are two things that have contributed to memory slippage. The first is the amount of train travel. Having refreshed and rejuvenated ourselves at the Morioka onsen we repacked the mini-bus and headed back to the train station. It was the 20th of October and we were headed south to Hida-Takayama, a seven hour train ride with changes in Tokyo and Nagoya. In truth it was not so bad. The scenery was, frequently, breath-taking and we had a "beer bitch" for the whole journey (not that anyone took real advantage of it).
Memory was not the only causality of train travel...
The second reason for Kong's faulty reportage is that we stayed at the Ryokan Seiryu, a traditional Japanese style Inn in the heart of downtown Hida-Takayama. As the word “tradition” implies, it looked nearly exactly like the other "traditional" Japanese Inn we stayed at in Morioka. As a result, the two places have seemingly merged in my mind.
[Hida-Takayama Wander Exploration Map]
After another evening of soaking in a hot bath, feasting, drinking, and letting post-contest bones and muscles repair, the youthful masters took to the town. Sensei Rick tried to keep us on a tight leash by telling and retelling the story of 11 pm lock-outs from the Ryokan and the mid-winter making of card-board tents to sleep in. To his credit it almost worked. Almost...
Unfortunately, since "what goes on tour stays on tour," this segment must end here. All Kong has to say is...Dennis...I can't believe you lost the artifact. The risks, the dangers, and how perfect it was...and you lost it!
Next: A day amongst the the Samurai houses of Hida-Takayama, more train rides, and a battle with local thugs in Kyoto.
19 November 2008
Another Note From Our Sponsors: Laphroig 10yr Tasting Notes
Laphroaig 10 Year Old is an all-malt Scotch Whisky from the remote island of Islay in the Western Isles of Scotland. Laphroaig, pronounced "La-froyg", is a Gaelic word meaning "the beautiful hollow by the broad bay".In making Laphroaig, malted barley is dried over a peat fire. The smoke from this peat, found only on Islay, gives Laphroaig its particularly rich flavour.
Laphroaig is best savoured neat, or with a little cool water. Roll it around on your tongue. Release the pungent, earthy aroma of blue peat smoke, the sweet nuttiness of the barley, the delicate heathery perfume of Islay's streams. It is as unique as the island itself
To taste Malt Whisky add a few drops of water to help awaken the bouquet of the malt and bring out the aromatics.
COLOUR: Full sparkling gold
NOSE: Huge smoke, seaweedy, "medicinal", with a hint of sweetness
BODY: Full bodied
PALATE: Surprising sweetness with hints of salt and layers of peatiness
FINISH: Lingering
Day V: Early Exists
With the fighting done all that remained was the closing ceremony. The trouble was that we had a train to catch to get to the onsen in Morioka leaving at 4 pm. What this meant was that we probably could not have picked a worse time to exit the venue. It was very quiet, everyone was lining up in their age categories, and you got the sense that there was about to be another protracted set of speeches acknowledging new relationships and New Zealand friends. We would have loved to have stayed -- Kiwi’s being great lovers of long ceremonies and all -- but we didn’t. Thanks Japanese Masters, see you again for good fight next year!
The train to Morioka was without incident. Then, after some innovative packing of luggage onto a very small bus, we were headed out of town to a traditional style inn with hot pool. We had a short soak and then settled in for a magnificent dinner. What a night – food, drink, good company, comedy, justice, and song.
When we had finished eating Pat and Graeme performed another rendition of Molly Malone. Yumiko and her friends performed too. I can’t remember the name of the song but the singing was sweet.
After dinner some retied and others headed out about “town” decked out in traditional Japanese attire. Having mastered “sliding” in wooden sandals we came to two bars (we were some distance out of the city – there were only two open). Some went to one, some to another. Those who went with Rick (who was moved to chose the karaoke bar on account of his distaste for certain brands of Japanese beer) ended up in a homely bar adorned with several Tanuki’s. It was small and the seating made it difficult to be “polite” and not point at other patrons while sitting commando in a Japanese gown.
At Sensei Rick's request the publican put on a series of Judo themed Karaoke music videos. While Dennis was being being courted by an elderly Japanese man who didn’t want to know that she could not speak Japanese, we enjoyed a few beers and watched the videos. One was about Yawara, the “fashionable judo girl” (who in later life grows to look something like how you'd imagine the love child of Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock to look). The other music video was "about" a weak guy who: (a) gets bullied and beaten, (b) gets inspired to train hard in Judo (half to defend himself and half to impress a girl), and (c) gets bullied again and, as a function of his training, miraculously smashes his tormentor (which earns him adulation from the girl). Admittedly, the plot makes a lot more sense having just been in a small town on the edge of the South China Sea (merely one short boat ride away from the most populace nation on earth). But it was still bizarre -- since when was “skipping” merrily, with a comedy/evil-grin, in front of another Dojo a strong and aggressive challenge?
Next: The express for Takayama.
The train to Morioka was without incident. Then, after some innovative packing of luggage onto a very small bus, we were headed out of town to a traditional style inn with hot pool. We had a short soak and then settled in for a magnificent dinner. What a night – food, drink, good company, comedy, justice, and song.
When we had finished eating Pat and Graeme performed another rendition of Molly Malone. Yumiko and her friends performed too. I can’t remember the name of the song but the singing was sweet.
After dinner some retied and others headed out about “town” decked out in traditional Japanese attire. Having mastered “sliding” in wooden sandals we came to two bars (we were some distance out of the city – there were only two open). Some went to one, some to another. Those who went with Rick (who was moved to chose the karaoke bar on account of his distaste for certain brands of Japanese beer) ended up in a homely bar adorned with several Tanuki’s. It was small and the seating made it difficult to be “polite” and not point at other patrons while sitting commando in a Japanese gown.
At Sensei Rick's request the publican put on a series of Judo themed Karaoke music videos. While Dennis was being being courted by an elderly Japanese man who didn’t want to know that she could not speak Japanese, we enjoyed a few beers and watched the videos. One was about Yawara, the “fashionable judo girl” (who in later life grows to look something like how you'd imagine the love child of Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock to look). The other music video was "about" a weak guy who: (a) gets bullied and beaten, (b) gets inspired to train hard in Judo (half to defend himself and half to impress a girl), and (c) gets bullied again and, as a function of his training, miraculously smashes his tormentor (which earns him adulation from the girl). Admittedly, the plot makes a lot more sense having just been in a small town on the edge of the South China Sea (merely one short boat ride away from the most populace nation on earth). But it was still bizarre -- since when was “skipping” merrily, with a comedy/evil-grin, in front of another Dojo a strong and aggressive challenge?
Next: The express for Takayama.
18 November 2008
Club Honoured by AJA Awards
According to Ramses Gold (in the latest post at the "official" AJA website), the Auckland University Judo Club will be honoured at the upcoming Annual Sporting Excellence Awards 2009. The AJA website reveals that we have won 4 out of 6 categories (2 categories being withdrawn this year). Our awards are for:Senior Judoka of the Year (20 and over)
Sensei Rick Littlewood. For highest placing by an Auckland Judoka at a major International Contest.
Youth Judoka of the Year (15 – 19 years)
Dennis H. While technically outside the age limit we say that this “fashionable judo girl” doesn’t look a day over 19. Dennis achieved “cultural” successes on the world stage and iconic infamy in Tokyo.
Coach of the Year
Jackie, for services to AKL UNI Juniors.
Club Event of the Year
www.judokong.com. A world-class judo site that punches above its weight.
Congratulations Uni Judo, a BIG effort!!!
17 November 2008
Rick Littlewood Open Judo Contest 2008
A provisional date for the annual Rick Littlewood Open Judo Contest has been set for December 14, 2008. The date is pending ratification by club seniors, official and supporting bodies. This year’s event will comprise of an Open and an Open-Age Masters Contest (with decade divisions, e.g. U40 yrs, U50 yrs, U60 yrs etc…). As soon as this date and format is confirmed we will need your help sending out the invitations and organising the after-party.
Stay tuned for further details.
12 November 2008
Judo Star Needs Dalai Lama’s Help
[By Agency Reporter//Published: Sunday, 9 Nov 2008] Even Olympic gold medallists sometimes need a little spiritual guidance.AFP reports that Japanese judo star Satoshi Ishii made a surprise appearance at a speech by the Dalai Lama, asking Tibet‘s exiled spiritual leader for clues on how to achieve peace of mind.
”Hello, I am Ishii,” he told the Dalai Lama after joining a queue of people waiting to ask the Nobel laureate questions.
”I had a big turning point, and now I don‘t know what to do. So I have received advice from many people,” said the star, who announced this week that he would switch to the cash-rich world of mixed martial arts.
”After listening to advice, I wonder whether I should make a decision for myself, or I should sometimes yield to the powerful. Please tell me,” he asked.
The Dalai Lama replied, ”Ultimately, your own investigation – that‘s most important.”
”Yes, you can dig ideas with people, but finally, you must base your decision on experiments, then decide,” said the Dalai Lama, who was on a one-week trip to Japan.
Ishii was one of only two Japanese who made the podium in men‘s Judo at the August Beijing Olympics, where he competed at the top level for the first time.
His decision to switch to mixed martial arts – which is still widely seen as a make-believe sport designed largely for television – disappointed many in the homeland of tradition-bound judo.
Japan‘s judo establishment bans professionals in any other combat sport from competing under its auspices, making it impossible for Ishii to go for another gold at the 2012 London Olympics if he makes the switch.
11 November 2008
Day V: Good Fight Tomorrow!!!
Going into the final day of contest (that included the open age and teams fights) the kiwi contingent was severely depleted in number. Greg didn’t make the first day of contest; his shoulder had blown-out before even taking the mat. Wayne lost a ligament in his wrist during his fight on Saturday rendering him dis-functional for the rest of the trip. Sensei Rick sustained a heavy leg injury (and we never stopped hearing about it). And the might and stealth of alcohol claimed another. The sum of these heavy losses bordered on unsustainable, particularly when you consider how few were on the team! Nonetheless, we persevered...and almost thrived...due in large measure to the strength of the Tauranga contingent.
The day was hard fought. I will try and post the videos when Sensei Rick gets back with his camera. Special mention goes to Richard. He was the only player under 50 to win a fight (admittedly he got smoked in the next one, but he did get ONE!)
[Here Simon is enjoying the company of the guy who smashed him]
Special mention was also earned by Kahn – the first green belt in the history of Judo to fight in an All Japan Masters Contest (albeit concealed beneath a brown belt for the sake of diplomacy – but even this was bad in the company of san dan’s and above). He blazed, taking his opponent to the last seconds. The other special mention goes to Carl "the manager" from Tauranga. Thanks Carl, your organizational ability, albeit slightly impaired on the second day, made it! (More will be said about Carl and his incredible role in getting us all there soon!)
Anyway, back to the story. We lost the teams contest convincingly. We lined up, each team had to front a player in each age category: 30-34, 35-39, 40-44 etc...all the way up to Pat. The anomaly was Andrew who got to fight in place of the injured Wayne. The other anomaly was that Khan was poached by a Japanese team. The reasons behind this remain a mystery. Perhaps he was perceived as a threat based on how well he fought earlier. Maybe it had something to do with racial purity (some of the Japanese are funny this way). Or perhaps it was simply because the large Samurai in the team wanted to make Khan his boy friend. Who knows? Regardless of reason(s) it will be recorded as a moment of international diplomacy and friendship in the highest degree.
Next: Day V: Morioka hot springs
The day was hard fought. I will try and post the videos when Sensei Rick gets back with his camera. Special mention goes to Richard. He was the only player under 50 to win a fight (admittedly he got smoked in the next one, but he did get ONE!)
[Here Simon is enjoying the company of the guy who smashed him]
Special mention was also earned by Kahn – the first green belt in the history of Judo to fight in an All Japan Masters Contest (albeit concealed beneath a brown belt for the sake of diplomacy – but even this was bad in the company of san dan’s and above). He blazed, taking his opponent to the last seconds. The other special mention goes to Carl "the manager" from Tauranga. Thanks Carl, your organizational ability, albeit slightly impaired on the second day, made it! (More will be said about Carl and his incredible role in getting us all there soon!)
Anyway, back to the story. We lost the teams contest convincingly. We lined up, each team had to front a player in each age category: 30-34, 35-39, 40-44 etc...all the way up to Pat. The anomaly was Andrew who got to fight in place of the injured Wayne. The other anomaly was that Khan was poached by a Japanese team. The reasons behind this remain a mystery. Perhaps he was perceived as a threat based on how well he fought earlier. Maybe it had something to do with racial purity (some of the Japanese are funny this way). Or perhaps it was simply because the large Samurai in the team wanted to make Khan his boy friend. Who knows? Regardless of reason(s) it will be recorded as a moment of international diplomacy and friendship in the highest degree.
Next: Day V: Morioka hot springs
Sensei Rick Challenges New York Dojo for 09’
Dear Sal San,Next year the Masters is in South Japan, at Oita City, Kyushu from the 15th-17th October 2009. Entry fees are Y5000 and it is Y5000 for the party. Friday is kata, Saturday is the weight/age shia, followed by the party from 6-8pm. On Sunday there is the open weight/age and team fight.
We are planning to go to Fukuoka City, Kumamoto City, and Nagasaki City after for additional judo team fight's (masters of course)...How about you organise a New York Masters Team and call yourself the American Masters Team? Hope this has helped you. Contact us again if you want.
Regards
Rick Littlewood
Auckland Uni Judo Club
10 November 2008
Day IV: Digressions (in Akita)
No matter how hard or nerve racking the competition, the taxi rides to and from the Budokan were always hilarious.
If in need of digression there was also a small Sumo contest in another part of the Budokan during the contest.
If in need of digression there was also a small Sumo contest in another part of the Budokan during the contest.
The Business End of the Stick
Nerves. Nerves. Nerves. The night before. An uneasy sleep for Kong (at least) and this was not simply due to recalling the freakish and random displays by street performers in the Akita station complex.
Leaving the Toyoko Inn for the Akita Budokan, Kong had the pleasure of sharing a brief elevator ride with Graeme Fare. Graeme, as everyone knows, is a hard-fighting, accomplished competitor and instructor. Frequently a man of few words, he had some good advice this day about dealing with pre-contest nerves. It was not the only good advice shared this day. Bob too provided the good word at the right time. And it is, perhaps, here that we find an answer to nz basho's question/lament. The answer is both yes and no. It seems that the waza of the past is not passed on simply for its own sake. Old Masters delicately hand over that which is living and vital in the tradition, and do so in a way that is fitting and relevant to the present. In this way, Judo – which itself is a constant dialogue between the old and new, tradition and the individual talent – is taken up and carried on by a new generation. What is taken up is never purely the old waza, but the old waza seems to remain embedded in that which is carried over. The "only" trouble is that the new generation doesn't mess up enough to ask and/or be receptive to learning the old waza [Or so is one gorilla's opinion].
As to the fighting, where do you start? The first fight of the day was Pat (oldest first). Pat had to face off against his old nemesis of several years. There were two in the age-weight category, which is not bad considering that Pat is 78. The bout was decided by coin toss. There appears to be some tacit agreement they will duke it out with more vigour next year. It proved to be a good thing as Pat was called on to put in a big effort for the teams fight the next day.
Snoopy, arguably, fought the hardest series of fights. Sensei Rick started strong only to have a leg injury in the second round. It would be easy to go on. I will, instead, try and share the videos of everyone’s fights. The critical information is: (a) everyone fought beyond themselves and (b) everyone under 50 from New Zealand got smashed. What Japanese was going to be the one to lose to a Gaijin? Under these conditions it was the old masters that shone.
[Graeme]
[Snoopy]
[Sensei Rick]
While the fighting was hard, perhaps the event that summed up the spirit of the contest was best seen in the friendship Dennis struck up with her “fan” (the daughter of the women she fought in her demonstration match).
Next: Day V. Age division open + teams fight.
Leaving the Toyoko Inn for the Akita Budokan, Kong had the pleasure of sharing a brief elevator ride with Graeme Fare. Graeme, as everyone knows, is a hard-fighting, accomplished competitor and instructor. Frequently a man of few words, he had some good advice this day about dealing with pre-contest nerves. It was not the only good advice shared this day. Bob too provided the good word at the right time. And it is, perhaps, here that we find an answer to nz basho's question/lament. The answer is both yes and no. It seems that the waza of the past is not passed on simply for its own sake. Old Masters delicately hand over that which is living and vital in the tradition, and do so in a way that is fitting and relevant to the present. In this way, Judo – which itself is a constant dialogue between the old and new, tradition and the individual talent – is taken up and carried on by a new generation. What is taken up is never purely the old waza, but the old waza seems to remain embedded in that which is carried over. The "only" trouble is that the new generation doesn't mess up enough to ask and/or be receptive to learning the old waza [Or so is one gorilla's opinion].
As to the fighting, where do you start? The first fight of the day was Pat (oldest first). Pat had to face off against his old nemesis of several years. There were two in the age-weight category, which is not bad considering that Pat is 78. The bout was decided by coin toss. There appears to be some tacit agreement they will duke it out with more vigour next year. It proved to be a good thing as Pat was called on to put in a big effort for the teams fight the next day.
Snoopy, arguably, fought the hardest series of fights. Sensei Rick started strong only to have a leg injury in the second round. It would be easy to go on. I will, instead, try and share the videos of everyone’s fights. The critical information is: (a) everyone fought beyond themselves and (b) everyone under 50 from New Zealand got smashed. What Japanese was going to be the one to lose to a Gaijin? Under these conditions it was the old masters that shone.
[Graeme]
[Snoopy]
[Sensei Rick]
While the fighting was hard, perhaps the event that summed up the spirit of the contest was best seen in the friendship Dennis struck up with her “fan” (the daughter of the women she fought in her demonstration match).
Next: Day V. Age division open + teams fight.
Coming Soon: The Reason We Were in Japan!
[From left to right: Jordan, Jack, Greg, Wayne, Snoopy, Andrew, Khan]
Cheers Jun Littlewood!
The Auckland University Judo Club would like to extend an official note of thanks and appreciation to Jun Littlewood for the Judo function in the weekend. Cheers Jun! It was a great night and everyone enjoyed themselves. [I would have added a photo but none of them came out properly -- which is probably a good thing...]
The Judo Pod-Cast
Our friend Lance Wicks appears to have been incredibly busy of late. Check out his site: www.thejudopodcast.eu/. Recently, Lance wrote on facebook that he will be uploading (hopefully) a new episode this weekend with Yves Cadot from Paris about the Life and Writings of Jigoro Kano.
06 November 2008
Sensei Rick's Pick of the Week
life has taken a turn for the worst,
sitting at home
in my little kyoto house
drinking ebiisu green
looking at the screen
wondering if
my students will ever learn
the waza of the past
[haiku by the nz basho haiku]
sitting at home
in my little kyoto house
drinking ebiisu green
looking at the screen
wondering if
my students will ever learn
the waza of the past
[haiku by the nz basho haiku]
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